FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Got a little giant knock-off

Biff_Loman | Posted in Tools for Home Building on January 11, 2009 06:48am

My rickety, scary 6′ step ladder wasn’t earning its keep on my truck. After popping off a couple rivets, I decided it had a better future recycled into soda cans.

I had no problem with buying myself a good ladder to use at work. It’s my butt, after all, and I needed a step ladder for personal use anyway.

I ended up buying a clone of the Little Giant ladder, and I love it. I find that it’s a superlative step-ladder. More often than not, we’re working outside on an uneven surface, always tricky with a conventional stepladder. It’s also quite nice to bring it into a finished house and *then* extend it, rather than manhandle a stupid large ladder through doorways.

It’s not a good extension ladder, but it’ll do in a pinch. What’s nice is that it can be a comparatively *short* extension ladder, for use in confined spaces.

I can’t see me pulling it apart and using it as two trestles, but you never know.

Yes, it’s heavy, but not so heavy that it’s a disincentive. And I weigh 225 lbs – I want a rigid ladder.

I was a little worried that I’d fallen for something gimmicky, at first, but it’s already proved its usefulness on site. Definitely a good buy, IMO.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    alecs | Jan 11, 2009 06:55am | #1

    Biff,
    Yes, I got the similar ladder at Lowe's, believe it's made by Werner. Have both the little giant and the werner. Like 'em both.

    1. ANDYSZ2 | Jan 11, 2009 07:00am | #2

      Was in Costco a couple of weeks ago and they now carry a light weight little giant.

      ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

      REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

       

  2. rasconc | Jan 11, 2009 09:15am | #3

    I have the 17 Werner and a 5-8' "picker" three leg f'glass real Little Giant step.  The step is really solid.  I got it from the "blem/demo" LG site.  Last Job I thought I was going to have to arm wrestle the homeowner to get it back.  He was afraid of ladders.  I did not know that until I asked him to climb up to the gutters to look at some roof damage. 

     http://www.laddersales.com/images/products/Little%20Giant%20Ladder%20Ultra%20Step%20Fiber.jpg

    For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
  3. User avater
    intrepidcat | Jan 11, 2009 09:36am | #4

    what kind of clone?

    Every car, truck and tractor in America should run on natural gas- it's the future.

    1. Biff_Loman | Jan 11, 2009 01:29pm | #5

      Brand name is "Industrial Lite." I bought it on sale at Canadian Tire.The name is a little ironic, IMO.

      1. woodturner9 | Jan 11, 2009 04:21pm | #6

        The Gorilla ladders at HD are the same kind of thing. I've used the 17' for years, and it works great. I actually like it as an extension ladder - much more stable than my Werner, due to the wider footprint. I've also used it many times as two trestles to make low scaffolding.

  4. Jer | Jan 11, 2009 05:41pm | #7

    I have the Gorilla ladders, the smaller goes to almost 6' and the larger to about 8'. I absolutely love them for site work and they are much more stable than the regular fiberglass. Plus I love the fact that you can use either side of the ladder. Then they fold up & telescope down to fit nicely strapped away standing up in the corner of my work van. I use them almost every day.
    They're here to stay.

  5. MikeSmith | Jan 11, 2009 06:12pm | #8

    oh, man... i thought this was gonna be about sump pumps

    Mike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
  6. renosteinke | Jan 11, 2009 08:10pm | #9

    As we saw earlier with laser levels .... isn't it amazing how prices come down when the patent expires?

  7. MSA1 | Jan 11, 2009 11:23pm | #10

    I got a costo version of that ladder from a client. Its a nice ladder and I have used it. but man that thing is heavy.

     

    Family.....They're always there when they need you.

  8. toolbear | Jan 12, 2009 06:37am | #11

    I keep an eye out at Costco.

    Got a 17' Werner folder there in 2004. Great ladder. $99. Did a lot of work on it. Rated for 300#

    Last year they had a 21' folder by Cosco ("The World's Greatest Ladder" - sez so on the ladder), about same price, rated for #300. It is not as well machined at the Werner (kinda scritchy when I deploy it), but it will put me on the top of a 2nd story building, so it's the one riding in the van.

    The ToolBear

    "You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert

    1. JulianTracy | Jan 12, 2009 07:58am | #12

      I have a LG 22 and it really does replace a lot of different ladders.When I bought mine, I sold my 10' double tread step laddder and my Werner 7-13' convertible cable installer's ladder.If you work out of a van or Suburban - it is invaluable.I've got a few extra of the work platforms for those ladders if anyone wants one.Their made by Gorilla brand, but are identical to the little Giant ones except for they have a few features that allow you to use em for work platforms too - screwdriver/wrench hanging holes and so on.Think they were about $45-50 each, can't remember, but if anyone wants one (I have two), I'd sell em for $25 shipped.Julian
      julian AT juliantracy DOT com

      1. DonCanDo | Jan 12, 2009 03:41pm | #13

        I have the Gorilla ladder which is equivalent to the Little Giant 22.  Both of them reach to 19' when set up as extension ladders and 9' as step ladders.  The Little Giant costs $399 while the Gorilla is $199.

        I've had the opportunity to use both.  In fact, on one job, I was able to use them side-by-side.

        The Little Giant is a superior product.  Slightly smoother operation and slightly better fit and finish.  I would be willing to pay maybe $25 more for it.  By no stretch of my imagination is it worth $200 more.  That's twice the price for almost the same ladder.

        I give Little Giant a lot of credit for developing a great product, but they no longer own that particular market and they need to adjust their pricing if they want to stay competitive.

        1. reinvent | Jan 12, 2009 06:36pm | #14

          "By no stretch of my imagination is it worth $200 more. That's twice the price for almost the same ladder."Yeah but they have wheels!

          1. DonCanDo | Jan 12, 2009 08:05pm | #15

            Nice, but for $200 it better be self-propelled.

        2. danski0224 | Jan 13, 2009 03:10am | #19

          I give Little Giant a lot of credit for developing a great product, but they no longer own that particular market and they need to adjust their pricing if they want to stay competitive.

          Competitive?

          How can a US manufacturer compete with Chinese labor?

           

          1. User avater
            jocobe | Jan 13, 2009 05:34am | #20

            I bought my LG years ago when the Chinese knock-offs were coming to the states. I guess what swayed me to pay more was the work platform and the single adjustable leg accessory. Also, I called the importer of the Gorilla brand and parts were not available for sale. You can buy parts from LG.Anyway, I don't regret paying the extra money..View Image

          2. User avater
            BillHartmann | Jan 13, 2009 05:43am | #21

            Werner sells parts for their version.Both repair parts and accessories.http://www.wernerladder.com/catalog/files/rc95.pdfLowes stocks the work/step platform..
            William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe

          3. User avater
            jocobe | Jan 13, 2009 06:08am | #22

            Well darn if they don't! It was a few years back when I bought it from the LG booth at the trade show. I saw the Werner booth and they didn't have anything to compare at that time..View Image

  9. oldbeachbum | Jan 12, 2009 09:30pm | #16

    "" can't see me pulling it apart and using it as two trestles, but you never know""

     

    It's amazing how much freshly painted trim (crown, etc.) I can place on them to dry.

    ...The unspoken word is capital. We can invest it or we can squander it.  -Mark Twain...Be kind to your children....they will choose your nursing home....aim low boys, they're ridin' shetland ponies !!

    1. Biff_Loman | Jan 13, 2009 02:27am | #17

      Hey, you never know, I guess.

  10. Biff_Loman | Jan 13, 2009 02:29am | #18

    We had an unfortunate situation in which the framer stood a bunch of sheathed walls without housewrap. I don't know why. :P

    Anyways, my fancy ladder was great for running around the first floor. Grade was pretty uneven, and I switched from stepladder to extension ladder and back a few times. Very nice.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data